In Irkutsk, a competition will be announced for the best city anthem project as part of preparations for the 350th anniversary. Both individual authors and creative groups and organizations may take part, and the anthem should be solemn, life affirming, and reflect the history, traditions, and love for the native city. Deputies also proposed a public listening to consider the views of Irkutsk residents.
Deputies of the Duma Commission of the city of Irkutsk on Social Policy considered at the meeting on December 17 the issue of holding a selection for the best project of an anthem dedicated to the city of Irkutsk.As explained by Svetlana Dombrovskaya, head of the Department of Culture of the Committee on Social Policy and Culture of the Irkutsk city administration, in connection with preparations for the celebration of the city’s 350th anniversary, a selection for the best project of the Irkutsk anthem will be held from April 11 to 20, 2009. Participants in the competition may be individuals, creative unions, groups, and various organizations. In accordance with the regulations, “works submitted for selection are compositions consisting of music and lyrics in an inseparable unity, as well as music and lyrics separately, produced at a high professional level and bearing a solemn, life-affirming character. The project of the Irkutsk anthem must not exceed 3 verses. The musical meter is three-four time. The anthem should glorify love for the native city, reflect historical events, patriotic, cultural, and labor traditions of Irkutsk.”
A special commission will be created to select the best options. The winner will be determined by a simple majority vote of the commission. He or she will receive a cash award. Funds for these purposes have been included in the city budget.
Members of the Social Policy Commission proposed holding a public listening of the anthem in order to learn the opinion of the city’s residents. They will also consider the issue of holding the anthem selection at deputy hearings.